help!!!

[kennedy98]

hey i have a question i have a 55 gallon saltwater tank and it is about 3 months old but i can not keep the ph balanced for more than 2 days i went to the LFS and they gave me buffer and that balances:frustrat: it but not for long they said only add it when u need it but i doesnt help it only brings it up for like 2 days please help

 

[yote]

Are you testing the PH at the same time of day?

Test your alkalinity and PH then post the numbers here.

 

[kennedy98]

well i just tested it now and it was about 7.8 i added buffer and it is about 8.2-8.4

 

[daugherty]

ok test you mag alk and cal

if your mag levels are not high enough you will not be able to keep the alk stable same as the cal. the alk is what will help keep your ph stable

 

[dcantucson]

A constant 7.8 is not that bad, especially for a FOWLR tank.

 

[kennedy98]

ok but i only test salinity ph nitrite nitrate ammonia temp cuz its a FOWLR tank no coral

 

[daugherty]

i know it is only a fowlr tank but those others tests are important to help keep levels in line mag cal and alk all require each other to be in line and the ph will go up and be more stable becasue of it

 

[kennedy98]

oh ok i have a the liqued saltwater test kit it is almost out so when i am out do u want me to get a coral test kit

 

[daugherty]

all you need is a mag kit and a alk kit i am shure your cal is fine.

 

[kennedy98]

ok what should the mag and alk be at

 

[kennedy98]

like the results

 

[daugherty]

mag around 1300-1500 and alk around 8-10 dkh

 

[kennedy98]

ok i have another question i dont have a protein skimmer should i get one

 

[dcantucson]

you asked that in your new thread.

 

[kennedy98]

i no i moved it